How Much Will Our Bloved Shoes Cost?

 

Sunday I was in Bloomingdales and as always, did a pass through the shoe department. It had been a while. One of my favorite shoe brands is Sam Edelman of the previous duo, Sam and Libby. A few years back they has a boutique in my mall but now mainly see them sold at the big boxes; Bloomingdales and Macys. I believe last year's cost was some where in the $79.00 - $99.00 range. Today the  Hazel pump online and at Bloomingdales, $150.00. Same basic pump. That is quite a price jump, pre-tariff.  

So, looking to the future, I Googled the question: Do all shoes come from China?

Google: But it's worth pointing out the majority of shoes in the U.S. are imported. When you look at where they come from, the vast majority are from China, also from Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and fewer than from India. it is estimated that 70% of all shoes sold in the US comes from China. 

The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), an industry organization with more than 500 members, including Walmart, Nike, Crocs and Steven Madden commented. Footwear imported from China is already being hit with upwards of 67% duties, the group said.

The consumer won’t be able to hide,” FDRA President and CEO Matt Priest said. “Even if it’s 10%, it’s death by a thousand cuts.”

What does all of this back-and-forth on the tariffs mean for the business we  love.  And what cost are we talking about at the retail level. Here is the math:

CNN: The first boats carrying Chinese goods with 145% tariffs are arriving in LA. Shipments are cut in half. Expect shortages soon